Compassus remembers lost loved ones with trees of love

For the 36th year, the Trees of Love at the Compassus offices in Rhinelander and Arbor Vitae will be lit this holiday season. This event acknowledges the pain of loss many feel during the holidays, organizers said in a press release. Ceremonies will be held at Compassus in Arbor Vitae on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and in Rhinelander on Thursday, Dec. 12. Members of the public are invited to attend.

“Grief can feel especially profound during the holidays, regardless of when the loss happened,” said Compassus Hospice area market executive Janette Marien. “Our Trees of Love serve as an acknowledgement of the memories left by those who have passed and a reminder that support is near.”

All attendees will receive ornaments to include in their own holiday celebrations as well as welcome to write their loved one’s name on an ornament to place on the Tree of Love that will remain lit throughout the holiday season.

No registration is required. Ceremonies will be held outside with light refreshments inside the offices. Those who are unable to attend these ceremonies are welcome to come to the offices and place a remembrance ornament on Compassus’ trees, the release states.

• Compassus Arbor Vitae tree lighting: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m., 1571 U.S. Highway 51 North.

• Compassus Rhinelander tree lighting: Thursday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m., 111 East Davenport Street.

The Minocqua Rotary Club and JJ’s Acres donated the Tree of Love to be displayed in Arbor Vitae. Forth Floral donated the Rhinelander office Tree of Love. For more information, contact Mary Ellen Kaminski, volunteer coordinator, at 800-234-3542 or [email protected].